Servicing pathway selection for critical smart dispenser in multiple washroom facilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facilities face challenges in managing washrooms efficiently, particularly in larger settings with varying usage patterns, as existing methods fail to optimize the refilling of consumable product dispensers, leading to issues like reduced inventories, dispenser breakdowns, and difficulties in scheduling service personnel effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves establishing predictive consumption profiles for each dispenser, determining refill values, and optimizing service routes for service personnel to refill dispensers before they reach empty, while also extending the refill time for critical dispensers during high-demand periods or special events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service personnel manually monitor and refill dispensers based on fixed schedules, then service operations can be planned in advance, but dispensers may run out of product or require excessive refilling frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system performs self-monitoring of product levels and automatically transmits data to the server, eliminating the need for manual inspection by service personnel. The system self-manages the monitoring function, triggering refilling operations only when actually needed rather than following fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where dispensers continuously report product levels to the server, which then determines optimal refilling times. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable product availability while optimizing service personnel deployment based on actual dispenser needs.
2Reliability
If service personnel are deployed to service all dispensers frequently, then product availability is maintained, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring and scheduling systems with an automated electronic system. Sensors in dispensers automatically detect product levels and transmit data via communication networks to a central server, which algorithmically determines refilling schedules, eliminating complex manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary analysis of product consumption patterns and predicts future refilling needs before dispensers actually run out. This allows proactive scheduling of service operations, maintaining product availability while avoiding unnecessary visits.
3Productivity
If refilling operations are performed based on real-time product levels, then product availability is optimized, but service scheduling becomes more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The central server performs multiple functions: receiving data from multiple dispensers, analyzing consumption patterns, predicting refilling needs, optimizing routes, and scheduling personnel. This multi-functional system simplifies scheduling by centralizing decision-making rather than requiring manual coordination of individual refilling tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling schedule is dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting based on real-time product levels and predicted consumption patterns. The system adapts to varying usage rates and can reschedule operations flexibly, making scheduling easier despite real-time monitoring requirements.
4Productivity
If predictive consumption profiles are established for each dispenser, then refilling can be optimized, but data collection and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring and data processing functions are extracted from the central server and embedded directly in the dispenser units. Each dispenser independently collects and processes its own consumption data, generating local predictive profiles and transmitting only essential information to the server, thereby reducing overall data processing load.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing a plurality of washrooms in a facility for servicing by service personnel and, more particularly, for establishing servicing operations which provide for service of at least selected of the dispensers before their consumable product supply falls below a pre-selected refill value.